Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Jean Ruggiero
Observation Date:
January 16, 2023
Submitted:
January 16, 2023
Zone or Region:
Snoqualmie Pass
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Pineapple Pass via Source Lake

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

We thankfully did not encounter any breakable crust as the forecast warned but there was significant frozen avy debris and many open creeks. The new storm snow was drier than anticipated. Pickets of stiff wind-transported snow are present in the bowl below Pineapple Pass. Older snow at the level of Source Lake is still very wet.

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Wind Slab
Comments: 
A 2-3” wind slab is present in the bowl beneath Pineapple Pass with less consolidated snow beneath. Observed isolated cracking of this layer but no propagating cracks or slide activity. Potential size R2-D2.
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